I believe in a future in which Muslim spiritual leaders and Islamist activists no longer view their faith or their fellow Muslims in these terms -- and where those Westerners who believe in fairness, equality and justice for all open their hearts to all the peoples of the region, not just a privileged few.

The Al Jazeera TV news organization that began in Qatar missed a great opportunity when it started Al Jazeera America (AJAM), using the cable channel it bought from ex-Vice President Al Gore's Current TV.

The founding head of Al Jazeera America has been unceremoniously demoted, and a trusted face from the older Al Jazeera English put in his stead. Yet this is not the main issue. As it happens, we all have a stake in a stronger, better, trusted Al Jazeera service.

Once upon a time, a young American woman landed her dream job -- and then gave it to someone else. Nine years later, she's creating a sustainable new model for international journalism that provides jobs and empowers women all over the world.

Al-Jazeera's toned-down coverage is surprising and ironic in light of the current media landscape. Indeed, al-Jazeera America is launching at precisely the moment when cable news is cratering in the public imagination.